Friday, December 30, 2011

In the Journey of life, many times I came across situations where I felt that there should have been a place, where I can relax, feel calm, cool and ecstatic. The place which can mesmerize me and make me forget all pains of life. In fact, each troubled soul is looking for such a peaceful destination. ONE DAY I GOT IT

It is Vrindavan. Going to this sacred place will give you all the peace in the world. Vrindavan is a wine which intoxicates you forever. I repeat, forever. The place is filled with pure love of Krishna and pure devotion of gopis and the miracle is, you feel that love every moment you walk in Vrindavan.

Every moment you feel the existence of Krishna in the atmosphere of Vrindavan . Krishna is the only god who can make you eternally happy. Only Krishna is capable of breaking your attachments with the world. In Vrindavan, You will see how Krishna has made his devotees mad after him. Initially I was not convinced of how people can leave everything for Krishna, now after visiting Vrindavan I feel Krishna is worth leaving others for. Life is not the same, ever since I came back from Vrindavan. You can not enter in Vrindavan without the mercy of Radha rani the queen of Vrindavan, I was lucky to be there. I have heard and sung so many Krishna songs, heard so many Bhagwath Katha's, read so many Krishna stories after visiting Vrindavan. That is the mercy of Krishna.

Vrindavan is not a place; it is heaven on the earth, I think heaven will be a small word in comparison. Vrindavan is a culture in itself. If you do not have Vrindavan in life, then there is nothing in your life.

Vrindavan is a place of intense and immaculate love for Krishna. The culture of Vrindavan is to be in Krishna consciousness all the time. You walk on the road, you read "Jay shri Radhe Krishna" written on the walls, you see devotees chanting Maha mantra everywhere, you hear krishna bhajans everywhere you go. Let me call it: Vrindavanism.

The banks of Yamuna River, peacocks and beautiful temples make Vrindavan the most wonderful place in the world. Watching Yamuna is an experience in itself. I felt as if I am watching goddess. You will see devotees sitting in front of Krishna deity chanting and singing Krishna bhajans. The devotion of devotees in Vrindavan is ineffable. You will see all types of the best devotees of Krishna in Vrindavan. When I was in Barsana I saw devotees worshiping Krishna in gopi Bhav, dressed ditto like gopi. One devotee was continuously looking at the picture of Radha krishna, One devotee was playing five instruments at a time to please Krishna. This is just an example. Like this, there are uncountable devotees in Vrindavan, who have kicked the wealth of Billions just for Krishna.

My love goes to Lord Shiva who also needed Vrindavan in his life. Lord Shiva turned himself into the form of Gopi to be in Ras lila performed by Krishna the supreme Godhead. How many of us can forget our ego of being man and woman and do what he did?. Similarly we should try harder to be in Vrindavan culture, if we are not in Vrindavan.

The aim of life should be to be in Vrindavan. The permanent goal of life should be to have Vrindavanism in life . After all this if you see "Banke Bihari" you will miss him all the time. This tour is life turning tour of my life. I lost my heart in Vrindavan

This is not an ordinary book, this is a miracle of God. Your Phobia's and Fear will disappear as soon as you read it. The miseries and mishaps of my life brought me to Bhagwat Geeta In fact there is no other way you take to spirituality without these miseries. Pain of life turned out to be the mercy of Krishna. After studying the BG, One word which hit my mind was, “Self realization”.

In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs “Self realization” is rated at the top, Bhagwat Geeta directs us towards Self realization. Self realized person enjoys unlimited happiness. For him, there is no need to look for happiness in the outside world. An intelligent person never takes the interest in materialistic pleasures which have the start and the end.

In the Journey of life we witness so many events, mishaps or failures that make us depressed, puts us in acute mental pain that increases negativity and hopelessness among us. Bhagwat Geeta is the best remedy to over come all such miseries of life. It is the best tranquility pill the mind kind has got.

A Crying face turns into smiling face within no time. Not only is it the biggest stress buster but it is the best remedy for problems like fear, anger, hatred, lust and greed. For devotees these are the biggest hurdles in the path of self realization.

Anger backed by hatred brings about fights amongst the people but when we read Bhagwat Geeta there will not be any such feeling that provokes us to fight. If you are constantly reading Geeta, you will feel sad for the person who is fighting with you or who wants to fight with you because he may have sleepless nights feeling jealous or envious about you but you will always find yourself in happy and cheerful mood.

To Read Bhagwat Geeta means to kill lust (Rapes), greed (Corruption) and anger (Murders) which are causes of all crimes and worries of the world. These monsters can only be killed by strong spiritual weapon otherwise there is absolutely no way to subdue them. There are classes which teach you the art of living but Bhagwat Geeta teaches you the art of dieing also.

Those who have the demoniac qualities like pride, false ego, harshness and arrogance become entitle to enter in a hell. The 16th chapter of Bhagwat Geeta helps us identify good and the bad qualities in us. Are we having demoniac qualities or we have some transcendental qualities in us? The Constant reading of Bhagwat Geeta decreases demoniac qualities and increases transcendental qualities and you will know that those who live for the sense gratification actually not only waste their life but also degrade their souls.

Bhagwat Geeta answers all the serious questions of life. You will understand what real knowledge is, what the real ignorance is, what should be the purpose of life, what to eat and what not eat, how to work, how to control your mind and what should be your approach towards your work.

For those souls who have completely surrendered to the lord Shri Krishna, Bhagwat Geeta teaches, how to surrender to the god, how to please the god, why to please the god and what is required to please the god. The faithful reading of god’s word washes all sins of a human being and those who follow it, are blessed with pure devotion of Krishna which is the greatest gift a man can ever get.

Mahatma Gandhi once said” When doubts haunt me, When disappointments stare me in the face, and I see not one ray of hope on the horizon, I turn to Bhagwat Geeta and find a verse to comfort me; and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. The seven hundred concise verses of Bhagwat Geeta Is the jewel of India’s spiritual wisdom.

One who is not connected with the supreme can have neither transcendental intellegence nor a steady mind, without which there is no possibility of peace. And how can there be any happiness without peace. (2.66). So for Intelligence, steady mind, peace and happiness read it and Distribute it and be krishna's soldier

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

According to the new report Published by Praja Foundation; There has been tremendous rise in the crime rate in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai. The numbers have increased remarkably since 2010 and 2011.

Though the reports talks about how there is staff crunch in the State Police department; that is half truth only. The real problem is not that police men are short the truth is crime is directly proportional to in- activeness of honest, spiritual and righteous people in the society. The Crime is going to rise. It has never stopped and never will. God took ten avatars to stop it but it never ceased to happen. In Varah Avatar lord killed Hiranyaksh..in Narsinh Avatar he killed Hirankashyapu and in Ram Avatar he killed Ravan and his army and in Krishna Avatar he was attacked by demons right from his childhood and in Buddha Avatar he subdued people like Angulimal.

If you read 12th Canto of Shrimad Bhagwatam there is entire list of the characteristics of Kaliyug. It says people are bound to be restless and full of lust and anger in this age. The truth is "Yada Yada hi dharamsya glanirbhavati bharat".(4.7 & 4.8 BG) God accepts here that It is going to get worse and when it gets worse he descends himself in this miserable world. There is surely dearth of saints and people who follow saints in this society. God did not create temples and churches for business and time pass. God knew that the world will be involved in sinful activities without him. You go to the best temple you like..look at the god..you experience no anger..no lust no greed and that is what saves you from being a criminal.

The pure devotees of lord always direct you towards the lotus feet of Krishna. Hanuman introduced Sugreev and Vibhishan to Ram and they went back to godhead. Narada transformed killer Valmiki into sage Valmiki rishi, he saved lot of people from being a criminal. Ramdas swami the guru of Shivaji Maharajafter twelve year of rigorous Tapasya concluded that "Mana sajjana bhakti panthe chi jave" meaning one should always engaged his heart in devotional service of a lord and we people avoid this final words of such a great saint who saw lord Rama twice in his life.

The founder of International society of Krishna Consciousness Srila Prabhupda converted drug addicts hippies into a devotees of Lord Krishna. They say He who opens a school closes a prison then why those all world leaders are going to Jail and getting involved in scandals, are they not qualified?

People crucified Jesus and he still said "Oh god please forgive them they don't know what they are doing". We have Bhagwat Geeta and Shrimat Bhagwatam in the form lord with us, all we have to do is spread it. The great saints in the world say I have done my part...What about you?

Sunday, December 11, 2011

June 2010 is the month I met my beloved "shri Banke Bihari ji". Once you meet him you start missing him.

Well don't look in the eyes of Banke Bihari..once you look at him..you will be his forever. When I went to Banke Bihari temple for the first I did not that I will be attracted to him so much just like iron is attracted by Magnet. He is the best..read why

1. This a story of an old lady who told how Shri Banke Bihari ji helped her. Old lady would offer cold water to devotees in Vrindavan Parikrama. She was often seen crying and singing songs of Krishna..asked about her presence in Braj she told her story to the devotee. Her father had to mortgaged house to a cruel money lender for her marriage, my father toiled hard and paid the loan but the wicked money lender had the plans of confiscating his house despite the fact that he had repaid the loan. The money lender booked the case in court and refused in front of a court that he received his money back. The lawyer of a money lender threaten my father and he was dejected as he had no witness. The old lady's father went to Vrindavan to pray Shri Banke Bihari . My father slept outside the temple after asking god to be a witness in his case. Shri Banke Bihari ji appeared in his dream and said I will be witness in your case go to your home and do not worry over it.

My father came home and said he is confident that he will win the case whereas everybody thought we will loose the case. Next day when Judge asked about presenting his witness. he registered the name "Banke Bihari". The attendant Shouted three times "Banke Bihari, present yourself to the court ". The voice spoke from out side." I am here". One man wrapped up in blanket appeared in court and told the Judge about where the money lender has hidden the file which proved the innocence of my father . The money lender was caught red handed. By seeing the face of a God the Judge was awe struck, this was not a human face when the Judge turned around Bihari ji vanished.

Next day the Judge resigned his job and went to Vrindavan. He became permanent devotee there and was famous by name "Judge Baba". The old lady went to Vrindavan expecting that she would see shri Banke Bihari ji again.

2. (1920)This is a story of a sweet shop owner near by shri Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. Once he had offer of making 40 kg Ladoos, he had to work hard to deliver the order, his shop was open day and night to finish the job. he said" I was working like machine and my hands were busy making ladoos, suddenly I heard a hypnotic voice of small young boy " Kaka I am hungry, can you give me something to eat". I kept looking at a child, I could not even speak, I was confused and mesmerized. There was no question of saying no to him. I offered him a ladoo and in return he offered me a gold Bangle, I wanted to refuse and speak to him but my voice was paralyzed and I kept looking at him untill he disappeared. Next day when I was coming to the shop, I heard the cry of Bihari ji's gold bangle is lost. The temple manager and officials were worried. I decided to call them and show them if it is the same bangle that they were looking for. When they came and saw the bangle, everybody was astonished..It was missing Bangle of shri Banke Bihari ji .

3. Once there was a muslim Queen who was passing from Vrindavan. While going through the vrindavan she saw a lot of devotees going to shri Banke Bihari temple. After seeing so many people going to the temple, she also felt like going to the temple. When she went to the temple and saw Shri Banke Bihari. She never went out of Vrindavan and became permanent devoteee of shri Banke Bihari ji.

4. The ticket collector of Mathura to Vrindavan train would often visit Shri Banke Bihari temple once the shuttle reached at Vrindavan station. Every day he would arrive at Vrindavan station and would run to see Bihari ji. One fine day when he went to the temple, the altar of the temple was closed, he had to wait to see Bihari ji, in the mean time the train he was in charge of left the station. When he came to know that the train has left without him, he thought he will be asked for his resignation as train has gone without him. Then he him self went to the station master and tendered his resignation.The station master was surprised, he said "Just now you submitted all the documents before going to Mathura then why you are offering the resignation". Ticket collector was in a shock, he said" If I am here then who is gone with the train"? soon he came to know that he was none but his own "Shri Banke Bihari ji" who performed ticket collector's duty. The ticket collector had tears in his eyes. He resigned from his post and spent rest of his life in service of Shri Banke Bihari ji.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Krishna always taught about importance of cows through his actions. His love for cows is also seen from his pastimes he performed in Vrindavan. Krsna is also known as “Gopal”- “one who brings satisfaction to the cows”. When Krishna taught a lesson to the king of heaven Indra by lifting Govardhan, Embarrassed Indra asked for an apology and gifted a cow to please Krishna.

Krishna would take the cows in the forests and would even milk cows while he lived in Vrindavan. He treated cows with utmost care. When he would play flute cows stopped eating grass and cry incessantly. Mother Yashoda would apply Gomutra, Goraj on Krishna, thinking that it will save Krishna from demons.

When Krishna went to Mathura, cows would not eat anything; they were deeply saddened by krishna’s absence. Kansa-the king of Mathura sent Akrur to Vrindavan to bring Krishna & Balram to Mathura. Akrur was gifted a cow by Krishna during that meeting. Krishna would gift cows to bramhins, saints when he was in Dwarka. Moreover, in Dwarka Krishna created deities of cows and would often offer his obeisance to them.

At the end of his Avatar Krishna told his beloved friend Uddhava that cow’s worship is equal to his worship. Krishna told Uddhava that whatever things I could do, whatever demons I could kill, was just because I served cows and I got this power by simply worshiping and serving a cow. He attributed credit of his deeds to cows.

If we offer bath to Krishna with “Panchagavya” then it pleases Krishna the most. Panchagavya means all the things that a cow yields namely curd, milk, ghee, gomutra and cow dung. Panchagavya is used in all dharmik vidhi including sacrifices (Yagya).

This tells us about how important it is for us to take care of Mother Cow. Srila Prabhupad once said” If you can keep cows, it is very good. You'll get fresh milk. That's a great benefit. To take care of the cow is a religious function for the Hindus but actually if care is taken for cows, it delivers us the miracle food—cow's milk, which is so valuable. And because we drink cow's milk, we should accept the cow as our mother. That is etiquette. One who is serious in his devotional life and wants Krishna cannot ignore the importance of a cow".

In the 11th (11.11.43) Canto of Shrimat Bhagwatam Krishna told his beloved cousin Udhava that he can be worshiped by offering cow grass and other suitable grains. Worshiping cow is equal to worshiping Krishna.

By feeding grass and by offering puja to the cows, one can receive extraordinary spiritual benefits. Serving and protecting cow pleases God and Demi-gods present in the cow and it takes us closer to the Supreme personality of God.

According to Skanda Purana, “One can demolish all his sinful acts by simply offering respect to the cows”. If we maintain and serve a cow in a nice manner then we can not only catch Krishna’s attention and but we can please Krishna as well. Krishna is kind with those who save cows and protect them. He is delighted by any effort done to serve a cow and he never even forgets us if we benefit cow.

As an animal cow is very lovable, simple and gentle, what we can do to serve her is we can buy grain for her, feed her every time we get an opportunity and we can donate the cow to an institution where they are treated with utmost care.

Mahatma Gandhi once said” Cow is the source of progress and prosperity. In many ways it is superior to one’s mother”.Killing a bull is equivalent to killing a cow. – Jesus Christ

Cow protection is the eternal dharma of India. - Dr. Rajendra Prasad, 1st President of IndiaTill cows are slaughtered, no religious or social function can bring its fruit.- Devrah Baba

1. One round of chanting near cows is equal to one hundred rounds of chanting

2. The presence of cow in house removes all"Vastu-Dosh"i.e it saves from Negative energy

3. A simple touch to a holy cow you will gives positive energy

4. Cow milk helps us in spiritual life as it raises "Satva guna"(the mode of goodness)

5. If you offer "Chapati and Jaggery (Gud)" to cows on Sundays it will bring all kinds of prosperity

6. Giving prasadam to one bramhin in Go-shala is counted as prasadam given to hundred bramhin

Types of Goseva you can do:

1. By feeding them Jaggery, bananas, green grass and chapatis

2. By buying books on cows and donating , distributing them for creating awareness

3. Visit goshalas and massage cows, they love it4. Buy medicines for them, Arrange doctors to treat ill cows and pay for the treatment5. To please Krsna you can create pamhlets of importance of cows and distribute them among devotees 6. Drink cow milk and encourage others for that7. Chant and pray for the protection and well-being of cows

Friday, September 2, 2011

Pitamaha Bhishma and Uddhava had one thing in common, they were Guru Bandhus. The Bright students of Raj Purohit Brihaspati have great importance in life of Krishna. Similarly if there has to be calculation of Pitamaha Bhishma and Uddhava’s life, Krishna was their biggest achievement.It is so very important in life to have an ideal Guru as all Brihaspati students ranked at the top in Krishna’s list. Especially the Uddhava, who started worshipping Krishna since his childhood, He would make Krishna’s deity, offer puja to Krishna when he was 5.Though they shared a relation in between them; their relation was way beyond understanding.

One thing was sure about Uddhava that he was never counted as distressed, the desirer of wealth, Inquisitive kind of a devotee. He was always the fourth devotee, the one who searches the knowledge of absolute. According to Bhagwat Geeta 7.16 and 7.17, Uddhava, right from the beginning was situated in the knowledge and Krishna says such a devotee is dear to me.

When Krishna thought Uddhava must have taste and essence of pure devotion, he sent Uddhava to Braj and showed him that it’s not knowledge alone that wins him it’s the love.Brajvasis never worshipped Krishna as a creator and a destroyer of the world. For them Krishna was their own property, they sat on his head, they teased him and they fought with him.

Going to Braj changed his vision and changed the vision of whom? Uddhava who would have lunch& dinner with Krishna, who would eat whatever Krishna left in his plate, who would wear Krishna’s out of use Clothes and Garlands. Just By eating remaining food from Sages plate, Dev Rishi Narad became such a big devotee. Here Krishna would make Uddhava sit right next to him. He would consider Uddhava’s suggestions.

Not many people knew about Krishna's Rasleela, Krishna would share all his secrets with Uddhava only, Krishna took him to Kubja’s place also. Krishna’s love for one of the Ashtavasu Uddhava was ineffable. At times Krishna waited for Uddhava to come to meet him, moreover he sent Rukhmini to call Uddhava and he would send Rukhmini away when Uddhava was around.

When Krishna decided to head towards his abode, Uddhava insisted Krishna to take him to Vaikunth and then Krishna gave the knowledge to Uddhava of how to attain him and how one must worship Krishna which is there in 11th Canto of Shrimat Bhagwatam.

One thing is for sure, we may be distressed or desirer of the wealth kind of devotees but for us, aim is to be the fourth devotee.